[email protected] Tel: (868) 667-4655 December 2017 Our Icelandic Relations

Guide, Jessie Pitt, gives some of the Icelanders, along with other guests, an introduction for the Oilbird tour. Photo: Elin Laxdal

By Peter O’Connor estate operations became financially unviable, some of these people purchased it and established the Asa Wright There are no formal diplomatic relations between the Nature Centre. The proceeds from the sale of Spring Hill island nations of Iceland and . But Estate were used by Ása to establish a trust fund for the deep bonds have existed between us, islands close to the National Museum of Iceland, to support the Icelandic Equator and an island on the edge of the Arctic Circle, for Scientific Society. The Asa Wright Nature Centre was over 50 years. opened in November 1967, and the trust fund founded About a dozen Icelanders came to visit us in November. in Iceland in 1968. They came to cement a bond, established tenuously So, our Icelandic friends and colleagues came here to in the 1940s, but formalized in the late 1960s, and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Asa Wright Nature acknowledged more in Iceland than in Trinidad and Centre. And some of us will visit them in Iceland during Tobago. They came to honour a countrywoman of theirs, 2018 to celebrate the anniversary of Ása’s trust fund there. who came to live among us, in a rural setting, on a coffee They came to share their work with us, the work begun and cocoa estate high in the forested . The by Ása, and quietly ongoing all through these years. They Spring Hill Estate became the home of Henry Newcombe are working on the production of a film connecting Asa’s Wright and his Icelandic wife, Ása Guðmundsdóttir work and legacy here with her legacy and their ongoing Wright. But it also was, and still is, the home of hundreds work in Iceland. of varieties of beautiful tropical birds, and of almost all of the species of mammals and reptiles that live in Trinidad! What a contrast in the settings for these visitors! They And of course, most of the species of butterflies, beetles, left the edge of the Arctic Circle in November to visit a ants and other insects, all feeding upon each other and tropical rainforest close to the Equator, because one of the perfumed flowers and fruit of the tropical rainforest. their own had chosen a tropical rainforest in which to live, and indeed, to die. But they also came to celebrate a lady And all of this, plus Ása’s hospitality, attracted renowned who had chosen to create a meaningful bond between and even amateur naturalists and scientists to the Arima these two disparate islands. But these recent visitors were Valley and specifically to Spring Hill. And thus, when the not all strangers to our environment, nor indeed to Ása.

Continues on next page

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Our Icelandic Relations (continued) From previous page

Sigrún Ása Sturludóttir is the Chair of the Ása Guðmundsdóttir Wright Scientific Fund in Iceland. She is also the great-niece of Asa Wright, and visited Spring Hill as a child and shared some of her memories with us. Karitas Kristjánsdóttir was an air stewardess with Pan American, who flew through Trinidad, when she heard of an Icelander living in the mountain forests of our Northern Range. She and Dr. Orest Zaklynsky made friends with Asa, as well as with early supporters Don and Ginny Eckelberry, and visited Spring Hill more than once. Hrafnhildur Hanna Gunnarsdóttir is a cousin of Sigrún, and is also the Chair of the Icelandic Filmmakers Association. She is the “recorder” Sigrún Ása Sturludóttir, the great-niece of Asa Wright, addresses everyone at the 50th anniversary of the Icelanders’ visit and is making a cocktail event. Photo: Lizelle’s Photography documentary on Asa’s life. Dr. Inga Dóra Björnsdóttir is the author of Ása Wright’s biography “Wife of Three Islands - A Biography of Ása Guðmundsdóttir Wright”. These good people and their companions really brightened the 50th anniversary of the Asa Wright Nature Centre.

YOUNG ENVIRONMENTALIST OF THE MONTH If you think your child, aged 5-16, has done something helpful to preserve the environment, please feel free to share it with us. Either write a short story or send a few pictures to [email protected]. He/she may be selected as our Young Environmentalist of the Month. Once your child is featured in our monthly newsletter, he/she and two adults will be given a complimentary day visit to Asa Wright Nature Centre, which includes viewing birds/animals on the verandah, a nature tour and use of the clear water pool.

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50th Anniversary A Weekend of Festivities

(L-R) AWNC Chairman, Graham White, Dr. Sigurdur Thorvaldsson and Dr. Orest Zaklynsky Photo: Lizelle’s Photography

(L-R) AWNC Board Members Jeunanne Alkins and Pramenath Narinesingh with June De Gale-Rampersad, Shinelle Padmore and Wildlife Photographer Roger Neckles. Photo: Lizelle’s Photography (L-R) Vishnu Debie, Vice Principal of Arima North Secondary School, Peg By Johanne Ryan Abbot, owner of Caligo Ventres and Mike Rutherford, Curator of the U.W.I. Zoology Museum (right). Photo: Lizelle’s Photography In our 50th year, 2017, we celebrated two special days on November 11th and 12th. We hosted our Annual General Board Meeting on Saturday 11th, while our special guests travelled to Port of Spain to visit the graves of Ása Guðmundsdóttir Wright and Charles William AWNC’s longest serving Board Members Beebe. Back at the Nature Centre that evening, the guests joined us in a ceremony which paid tribute to our long-serving Board Members. Ian Lambie...... 1975 We were treated to presentations by Sigrún Ása Sturludóttir, (Ása’s Dr. Julian Duncan...... 1977 grand-niece), Dr. Inga Dóra Björnsdóttir, Malcom Strandberg and Ian Lambie. Sigrun’s presentation gave a videographic peek at life Raymond Mendez...... 1980 at Springhill long ago, showing the Centre’s namesake, Asa Wright. Phil Schaeffer...... 1983 The function ended with a sweet serenade of live parang music. Our expert staff prepared a delicious dinner. Dr. Carol James...... 1990 The anticipated Cocktail Reception at Ortinola Estate took place on Dr. Robert Thomas...... 1992 Sunday 12th. AWNC’s staff, Board Members and friends, joined to Christine Toppin-Allahar...... 1995 hear tributes paid to AWNC from Icelandic and local guests. Persons Dr. Judith Gobin...... 2005 who knew Ása, as well as those with a long association with the Centre, shared their insights. Thank you everyone for making this a memorable weekend.

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AWNC Conservation Officer, Johanne Ryan and Board Member, David Oehler. , Elin Laxdal and Hrafnhildur (l-r) Claire Storrs-Foxx, Sigrún Ása Sturludóttir Photo: Lizelle’s Photography Gunnarsdóttir by Malcom Strandberg. Photo: Lizelle’s Photography

Susan Sprunt (left) and Joy Mendez. Board Member, Raymond Mendez and his wife, Joy Mendez, with Gus James. Photo: Lizelle’s Photography Photo: Lizelle’s Photography

AWNC’s longest serving Board Member, Ian Lambie, addresses the crowd. Photo: Lizelle’s Photography

Board Members, Christine Toppin-Allahar (left) and Dr. Judith Gobin (right), with Claire Storrs-Foxx. Photo: Lizelle’s Photography

Dining Room Supervisor, Paula Quintero-Barker, Shinelle Dickson and Shelly-Ann Dickson. Photo: Lizelle’s Photography

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General Manager, Ann Sealey. Owner of Eureka Natural History Tours, Jason Radi (left) and Board Member, Dr. Robert Photo: Lizelle’s Photography Thomas. Photo: Lizelle’s Photography

(L-R) Sigrún Ása Sturludóttir Manager, Corporate Communications, Deputy General of the Manager,Ministry of June Tourism, De Gale-Rampersad; Sherma Mitchell. and Photo: Lizelle’s Photography (L-R) Jessie Pitt, Ayeola Duncan, Staff members enjoy the ambience. Shirleen Bulze, Kimmy Mitchell and Kevin Plaza. Photo: Lizelle’s Photography

taff members Pamela Allemany (left) and Indira Ramdass (right) with Board Member, Courtney Buechert Lizelle’s Photography

Vice Chair, Phil Schaeffer with his wife, Margaret and Board Member, Dr. Carol James. Photo: Lizelle’s Photography

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The group at ’ grave in the Mucurapo Cemetery.

By Johanne Ryan Malcom Strandberg, godson of William and Beebe. We made a stop-over at the Beebe, along with other guests and staff Hilton Hotel at the request of one of our Our special guests visited the grave- visited the Lapeyrouse Cemetery where guests who had visited the hotel when sites of two pivotal figures in the Ása, her husband, Henry Newcombe she worked with Pan American many Centre’s history. The work of both Ása Wright, and Ása’s father are buried. We years ago. From the Hilton elevation our Guðmundsdóttir Wright and Dr. Charles next moved to the Mucurapo Cemetery group enjoyed a panoramic view of the William Beebe moulded AWNC into what where William Beebe was laid to rest. city of Port of Spain. is today. Our Icelandic contingent and These visits were a fitting tribute to Ása

The group, with AWNC staff, at Ása Wright’s grave in the Lapeyrouse Cemetery.

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By Lynn Tennefoss “Exploring the birds, art, culture and food of Trinidad and Tobago” was the informal theme of the third of four celebrity birder visits to the Asa Wright Nature Centre in celebration of the 50th anniversary this year. Wildlife artist Keith Hansen and fiber artist Patricia Briceño from California, joined an intrepid group of 17 guests along with Centre staff and guides in a packed week of learning and fun. Highlights at the Centre included two art classes with Keith where he shared useful techniques for drawing birds with visitors and staff while delighting us with his skill; visiting the oilbird cave and manakin leks with the Centre’s great guides; a special tour of the gardens and coffee drying facilities with Mukesh Ramdass; and of course, birding off the verandah in both Keith Hansen and Patricia Briceño. Keith Hansen demonstrates bird drawing techniques. morning and afternoon. The group even Photo: Hugh Simmons/Caligo Ventures Photo: Lynn Tennefoss got the chance to contribute observations to Martyn Kenefick’s Big Sit. Chef Rickie amazing display of hundreds of blooming process. While on the regular evening Hamilton went all out, as usual, treating orchids delighted the group; a delicious boat trip to Caroni Marsh, a beautiful the group to wonderful meals and a lunch at Veni Mange, and a visit to the blue sky and puffy clouds provided the special birthday cake for Keith! National Museum and Art Gallery of backdrop to thousands of scarlet Ibis Trinidad. For special outings inspired by Patricia’s and little blue herons and just a couple of interest in local culture we visited vendors On the birding field trip up Blanchisseuse great egrets as the sun set brilliantly to the at the San Antonio Green Market, and Road, we arranged a timely stop at the west. Many thanks to General Manager took an all-day trip to Port of Spain with Brasso Seco Community Centre for lunch Ann Sealey for arranging so many special an entertaining stop at Jimmy Aboud, The as rain descended by the bucket-full. We events for the group, to all the guides and Textile King’s amazing shop of fabric and were treated to a terrific local band, along staff who made the visit flow smoothly, to Carnival costume-making accouterments, with a traditional Trini lunch and a detailed Keith and Patricia for their knowledge and a walk in the Botanical Garden where an explanation of the chocolate-making participation, and to Caligo Ventures for making this year’s celebrity visits possible.

Port of Spain explorers. Photo: Lynn Tennefoss A local band at Brasso Seco. The group at Caroni Swamp. Photo: Hugh Simmons/Caligo Ventures Photo: Hugh Simmons/Caligo Ventures

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By Carol Comeau, Caligo Host, and Steve Wolfe, Caligo Photographer Caligo Ventures has been the sole North American booking agent for AWNC for the past 35 years. To mark the centre’s 50th anniversary top celebrities from the birding and birding-art world were invited to visit and provide workshops at AWNC. Caligo Ventures was honoured to have David Allen Sibley, ornithologist and renowned author/illustrator of the Sibley field guides, cap off the celebrity series. From October 26 to November 2, 2017, David Sibley and his wife, Joan Walsh, were at the centre overlapping with two of Caligo Ventures’ tour groups, Independent Birding Venture guests, and lodge stay guests. Joan is Mass Audubon’s Gerard A. Bertrand Chair of Natural History and Field Ornithology. The Ornate Hawk-Eagle the group saw on the Discovery David Sibley sketches on the verandah. Trail. Photo: Steve Wolfe Photo: Steve Wolfe On Sunday October 29 the public was invited to attend two special presentations given by David. An art demonstration, “Why David. After lunch, guests attended David’s Caligo Ventures Tour Group 1, guided by Birds Look The Way They Do”, was held in the PowerPoint presentation, “The Psychology father/son team Dave and Roodal Ramlal, morning. The event was attended by AWNC of Bird Identification” which was inspired on the Caroni Swamp adventure to watch guests, representatives from the Trinidad by his research into why birds are often the spectacle of thousands of scarlet and Tobago Field Naturalists Club, friends misidentified in the field. The big take-away ibis flying to their evening roost. Lester of AWNC and AWNC board members was that understanding differences in brain Nanan, whose father and grandfather were Graham White and Martyn Kenefick. During perception is key to understanding why instrumental in the creation of the Caroni the presentation, attendees enjoyed identification errors occur. Swamp Bird Sanctuary and the protection learning about bird anatomy and feather David and Joan participated in several of the scarlet ibis, was our very capable tour structure while sketching along with excursions with AWNC guests. They joined boat operator. Clear skies provided great, sunlit views of the Ibis flying in for the night.

Caligo ventures Tour Group 1. Photo: Steve Wolfe Continues on next page

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David Allen Sibley comes to the Centre (continued) From previous page

The T&T group that attended the presentation on “The Psychology of Bird Identification.” Photo: Steve Wolfe

The Sibleys joined Caligo Ventures Tour ready for the afternoon round of birding. nearby tree, the bird provided excellent Group 2 and guide Mahese Ramlal for a day We ended our day by watching a group of looks and photographic opportunities for exploring Trinidad’s Northern Mountain swallow tanagers. What made the sighting all. The group eventually made their way Range along Blanchisseuse Road. The rain special was that it was a life bird for every down to the beautiful riparian grotto to did not dampen our spirits. Undaunted, person in the group including the Sibleys. view the famed oilbirds of AWNC. we enjoyed birding Trinidad style – under One of the best adventures was saved for Caligo Ventures congratulates AWNC umbrellas! By noon the rain had cleared just last –a visit to Dunston Cave to see the for reaching its monumental 50-year in time for our special lunch. We stopped oilbirds. Soon after leaving the verandah milestone! It was an honour for Caligo at the Visitor Center in the charming a cry went out, “There’s an ornate hawk- Ventures to host David Allen Sibley for mountain village of Brasso Seco to enjoy eagle!” There had been recent distant the final celebrity event. Much has been an indigenous meal consisting of smoked sightings of an immature Ornate Hawk- achieved over the last 50 years, and Caligo chicken, rice, beans, taro root, corn pie, Eagle in the area. The group was quite Ventures looks forward to the Centre’s and cacao ice cream – a veritable feast! Our pleased when the youngster decided to continued success as a world-class eco- gastronomically satisfied group was then give them a close-up view. Landing in a lodge and centre for tropical biology, conservation, and education.

Caligo Ventures Tour Group 2 Photo: Steve Wolfe

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The crew filming Mr. Smith (left) and Dr. Noriega. Photo: Alexis Marianes

Earlier this year, a team from Discovery Channel developments and how they affect our daily lives. We Canada (DCC) came to Spring Hill to film segments thank the crew for coming. for DCC’s television show, Daily Planet. They filmed Check out Daily Planet show’s Facebook page at Richard Smith and Dr. Nigel Noriega doing camera trap https://www.facebook.com/pg/DailyPlanetShow/ maintenance at a site that the Trinidad Ocelot Project videos/?ref=page_internal set up. Daily Planet discusses the latest scientific

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Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) wishes to congratulate the Asa Wright Nature Centre on the celebration of its Fiftieth Anniversary. TTBS also recognizes the valuable national contribution made by this organization and is appreciative of its inputs in the development of national standards. – Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards

The Department of Biosciences Agriculture and Rood Technology, formerly, the Eastern Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, The University of Trinidad and Tobago, extend congratulations to you, the Asa Wright Nature Centre as you celebrate your 50th Anniversary. May you and your team continue as active conservationists of our beautiful Forest Ecosystems in Trinidad and Tobago. – Eastern Caribbean Institute of Agriculture and Forestry – The University of Trinidad and Tobago

Congratulations to Asa Wright on achieving a 50 years miles stones. We wish you all continued success in upholding the wild life preservation and conservation for many more years to come. You are an inspiration to us all in the Lopinot La Pastora community and thank you for your partnership with us in many projects throughout the years. – Lopinot La Pastora Community

The National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago extends our heartiest congratulations to the Asa Wright Nature Centre in achieving a monumental milestone of 50 years’ service. We applaud your outstanding contribution to the conservation of numerous species in the Northern Range, Trinidad and your strides in educating the public. With your commitment and dedication, you have cemented your position as an advocate of sustainable development of Trinidad and Tobago’s natural heritage. As you continue the great work, we wish you success for many more years to come. – National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago

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Commemorative Messages (continued)

The Trinidad & Tobago Birds Status and Distribution Committee warmly congratulates the Asa Wright Nature Centre on reaching its landmark 50th Anniversary in 2017. During the 20 plus years of our existence, “The Centre” has played a leading role in both its documentation of our bird species diversity and promoting the culture amongst the wider community. We look forward to this partnership flourishing even further in future. – Trinidad & Tobago Birds Status and Distribution Committee

Scotiabank applauds the Asa Wright Nature Centre (AWNC) on its continued dedication to promoting the diverse ecology of Trinidad and Tobago. At Scotiabank, we recognize that a better, more prosperous future is intrinsically linked to the well- being and health of our planet, and as such, we are committed to supporting initiatives and organizations that preserve and promote the environment. The AWNC plays an integral role in helping educate our younger generations with an appreciation for our local tropical flora, fauna and natural habitats. On the Centre’s 50th Anniversary, we encourage you all to visit and experience first-hand the amazement that is the Asa Wright Nature Centre. – Scotiabank

There are few places that draw me to nature as the Asa Wright Nature Centre. It is a place of tremendous ecological diversity with its numerous plant and animal species. Although best known as a site for birders, it also attracts biologists and ecologists across their many disciplines, and for many like myself, it is a space to bask in the energy of nature as a way of healing both body and soul. Over the years, I have spent many hours walking the trails of the Centre, most times in search of known and unknown species of birds to photograph and to study their behaviours. There are many days when I chose to be one with nature, by just walking and taking in the sounds, sights and vibrations of all that nature offers. At times, I would sit on a log or rock, lost in my deepest thoughts. I see Asa Wright as both an ecological and spiritual haven, especially for the tired souls of humanity. I am delighted to congratulate the Centre on the celebration of its 50th Anniversary and trust that it will continue to be a sanctuary for renewal of the human spirit. – Theodore Ferguson, Yerette

The House of Angostura congratulates Asa Wright Nature Centre on your 50th anniversary. Over the years, the centre has greatly engaged the people of Trinidad and Tobago, willing them to understand and appreciate our flora and fauna. As owners of a large butterfly collection, we are eager to preserve the beauty of those butterflies indigenous or migrated. We can therefore appreciate all that you have done and applaud you for it, at this important milestone. We trust that you will continue to do your part in preserving mother nature in all its glory. We wish you all the best. – The House of Angostura DECEMBER • PAGE 13 December 2017

Commemorative Messages (continued)

Environment Tobago and The Tobago Hotel & Tourism Association would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to the Asa Wright Nature Centre, on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the organisation. The Asa Wright Nature Centre has been the flagship for Eco-tourism, Bird watching, research and education in Biodiversity conservation in Trinidad for an impressive period. We extend our congratulations and best wishes in continuing service to the environment of Trinidad & Tobago. – Patricia J Turpin, Vice President, Environment Tobago

Congratulations to all at Asa Wright Nature Centre on your 50th Anniversary. We at Tobago Travel have had a long and rewarding association with the Centre and can only speak in exemplary terms for your delivery of service, knowledgeable guides, attention to nature and an atmosphere that is a bird lovers’ dream. Keep up the high standard and good luck for the next 50. – Tobago Travel

Congratulations to the very dedicated management and staff of the leading bird sanctuary in this part of the world “Asa Wright Nature Centre”. The centre has withstood the test of time in caring and protecting all that nature has to offer for the enjoyment of the environment. This signature eco destination from its humble beginnings of Ms. Asa Wright herself to Mr. Richard ffrench and all the others who have contributed to its success over the years will continue to grow from strength to strength. May God continue to bless each and everyone of you. – Trinidad and Tobago Tourist Transport Association

Jubilation!

Congratulations to Asa Wright Nature Centre on achieving your remarkable milestone … 50 years of service to the tourism sector of Trinidad and Tobago. We at Caribbean Tourism Publications Ltd are inspired by your un wavering commitment to protecting our precious wetlands, while showcasing the best we have to offer locals and visitors alike. From up-close and personal views of birds and butterflies from the balcony at Asa Wright, to walks on the beach front, observing nature in all its glory and splendour, the visitor experience is magical and memorable. Year in and year out, Asa Wright has been one of our most loyal advertisers. Every issue of the Ins and Outs of Trinidad and Tobago goes to print with Asa Wright in it. We at the Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago thank you for your enduring loyalty and salute your legacy. – Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago